"I don't have the time" becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy if you say it often enough. When it comes to reading a book, many college students fill their schedules with classes and extracurricular activities, leaving little time for reading.
In fact, a Gallup poll found that the average college graduate in 2021 read six fewer books per year than college grads between 2002 and 2016 on average—the sharpest reading decline of all groups surveyed.
But if you care about something enough, you'll make the time for it. And if you're a college student, we already know you're an intellectually curious person. Don't let the college grind stop you from reading books that can help you explore new ideas and consider different perspectives.
Research shows that reading for pleasure leads to feelings of enjoyment, relaxation and escapism. Reading also helps people feel more empathy and increase their social capital.
